I saw the movie at Ko’olau Theatres in Ko’olau Center with my wife and her mother.

Overall, what did you think?

I thought it was great. I enjoyed it much more than the last few installments, which had gotten pretty dark. There are a lot of subtleties that one misses if he hasn’t read the books, but I don’t think that detracts significantly from the movie. In fact, it gives me a reason to want to read the books and to see the movies again, something I usually don’t do.

On a scale of one to four stars, how would you rate this film?

I definitely would give it a ★★★★ rating. I thought the first movie of the series was great, and this last one is the only one comparable to it.

Was the message/theme of the film clear?

The message is clear, with this being the concluding film. The previous movies left the message a bit open, creating a certain amount of hopelessness. The theme certainly is that good wins over evil and that power corrupts.

Did you identify with any of the characters?

It was a bit difficult for me to identify with any of the characters, partly because the main characters are so much younger than I, but I am sure I could find one of the professors at Hogwort’s that I could identify with.

Did you appreciate the film’s use of magic and sorcery?

Of course the “magic” I use as a magician and the magic used in the Potter books and the movies are two very different things. I may use sleight of hand, tricks and misdirection. The books/movies, which are fantasy, use magic in a more literary form, providing some characters with the “gift” of supernatural powers, such as Merlin in the King Arthur stories. Therefore, as a modern-day magician, there is little to relate to in the film, other than the fact that I may use a wand from time to time.

Did it remind you of any other work in film?

While watching the film, there is one spot where it seemed like Harry Potter meets Indiana Jones as the scene was just like a scene from the Temple of Doom. Once I noticed that, it very much seemed like a melding of the two films.

To whom would you recommend this movie?

The film would be appropriate for anyone except the very young, where it might be a bit frightening. There is some violence, but nothing too gruesome or gory, and it is clearly a fantasy.

Would you buy this movie when it comes out on DVD?

This film has made me more of a fan of the whole series. As I mentioned before, I am now interested in reading the books that the movies are based on. I usually do not like to watch a movie that I’ve seen already, but in this one, I know I could catch something new every time I watched it.

On a different note, what’s new with you?

My magic theater, which provides live, magical entertainment on the Windward side, is now in its third year. If you’re interested in having some fun, magic, mystery and illusions that the whole family can enjoy, check us out on the fourth Friday of the month at Ko’olau Magic Theatre in Ko’olau Center. It is located next to my dental office of 36 years, down the hall from Times Supermarket. For tickets, call the office at 239-6711. More information is available at: KoolauMagicTheatre.com.